Arriving

Aaron and I arrived in Vienna today I think I've just about exhausted my brain frantically talking half-intelligible German to our hosts. We arrived in Vienna about 15:00 local time after only one significant traveling mishap. The flight from Indianapolis to Detroit was not only the shortest flight I've ever been on but also one of the most unremarkable - and for traveling, I consider that to be a good sign. We had less than an hour to wait at Detroit before we took off for Amsterdam in particularly good seats and spent about half the time sleeping, trying to sleep, or pretending to sleep. The rest of the time I spent reading, eating complimentary Vegetarian-friendly meals (with damn good brownies), and partaking in other aspects of the plane's technology, such as low-budget video games and radio stations. Dramamine did its job well and neither Aaron or I had any problems with motion sickness. We were supposed to arrive in Amsterdam with plenty of time to get to our flight to Vienna, but as we landed a few minutes late we were worried and rushed to get across the entire airport to the appropriate terminal. Our worry turned to desperation and frustration when we came upon a security checkpoint with three hundred people being corralled through only two service counters. When we finally were through, we ran towards the gate, only to find we had missed our chance to board by two minutes. A sulking walk to a transfer counter, we were awarded with a 5 minute phone card and a 10 euro meal voucher, both of which we used fully (I had a grilled mozzarella sandwich with pineapple and ketchup, and a coke). Then came a long waiting period of fighting sleepiness and trying to read. Finally, after close to six more hours of waiting and another gate change, we flew to Vienna in a small plane flown by the first female captain I've encountered. Our seats weren't very good, but the dramamine made us so drowsy and out of it we slept with only fitful dreams. It was a great relief to be free of planes and airport frenzy, and our bags were specially handled by a team at Vienna's airport. As soon as we got in the car with our host, though, German phrases and conversations have been spilling out of me even when I didn't think I knew the words or endings, and even when I really didn't know the words. Aaron and I have acquired not only train tickets but also a special card which allows us significant discounts for purchasing tickets within Austria. Tomorrow we're going to go around the city on our own for most of the day. But first a good night of sleep.

Leaving

Less than 10 hours till Aaron and I leave to head to the airport. Exciting, but it was a cold realization to see how few pieces of clothing I'm actually taking. Still, tomorrow we take off. If you'd like to write either of us, please send mail to: Ian Cross / c/o Speak + Write / Gesellschaft für Sprachunterricht / Universitätsstrasse 60 / D-35037 Marburg/Lahn / GERMANY

10 Days to Go

In only a week and three days I will be flying first to Detroit, then Amsterdam, and then Vienna: the Saturday following that, I'll be taking a train first to Frankfurt and then to Marburg to start classes that Monday. The extent of my efforts to prepare for the trip is limited mostly to some shopping and the preparation of packing lists. I have found myself in an awkward state of decision for packing: experience taught me last summer to not bring so many things to do, but this time I will be gone much longer. However, I'll also be able to buy supplies there, as well, and perhaps receive some items through packages (hint: I get to celebrate my 20th birthday in Berlin). So these reasons have led me to develop a packing list focused on light travel, although I'm sure I'll still be filling two suitcases and a backpack. I will also be depending on my computer for several functions while overseas, including (but not limited to): music, DVD watching, digital photo archiving. Another concern, then, is computer reliability and safety. Hoping we will have enough battery life, Aaron and I plan on watching a movie during the 9 hour flight to Amsterdam - Hot Fuzz, Casino Royale, or Gladiator are the options this time. A Brief List of the Aspects of My Trek to Which I Will Be Looking Forward: 1) Healthier food, healthier portions 2) Escape from cell-phones 3) Partial escape from the internet 4) Experience in a new climate 5) Experience living in big cities 6) Week long free travel 7) Reading, writing 8) A cardio-centric workout plan 9) Learning A List Concerning the Opposite: 1) 4 months away from family and friends 2) Risk of over-working 3) Being out of touch with support network 4) Returning to find everything different 5) Inescapable awkwardness and embarrassment caused by lack of language comprehension 6) Constantly changing address 7) Lack of sleep Hopefully many of these aspects will turn out better than my anxiety predicts: foresight is always an exaggeration. The next step: cleaning and packing.